COMMERCIAL VEHICLE GUIDELINES

Class A CDL REQUIRED:  Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR 

Class B CDL REQUIRED:  Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a trailer not in excess of 10,000 pounds

CARGO SECUREMENT:
Articles weighing 10,000 pounds or more require tie-downs at all four corners •Wheeled or tracked vehicles over 10,000 pounds require four direct (anchor) tie-downs and tightening devices •Protection is mandatory if a tie-down is at risk of abrasion where it touches an article of cargo •Booms must be lowered and properly secured •Articles that are likely to roll require chocks, wedges, or a cradle •For machinery, anything less than 10,000 pounds requires (1) tie down in the front and (1) tie down in the rear •To satisfy federal regulations, as long as tie downs have a weight rating, you may use chains or straps. •Equipment manufacturers typically have their own securement specifications and tie down points to be aware of •When in doubt, it’s always a good practice to use another chain or strap.  VISIT THE FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CARGO CONTAINMENT AND GETTING A USDOT# https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

MOST COMMON COMMERCIAL VEHICLE VIOLATIONS:

Weight violations: (overall, axle, federal bridge)

 MGL c90s19a, fines based on weight, fines increase as weight increases can be issued to the driver, owner or person that loaded the truck. Weight permit information is available at: https://www.mass.gov/commercial-truck-permits

·         unlicensed op. Or op. Vehicle outside of license class: (no cdl when required) MGL c90s10 – criminal citation

·         vehicle not inspected:  MGL c90s20 – $55, issued to owner or driver

·         hands free electronic device: MGL c90s13a – 1st offense $105, 2nd offense $255, 3rd offense $505 issued to driver

·         uncovered/unsecured load: MGL c85s36 – $200, issued to driver                                                                                                                                                                                              

·         number plate missing/obscured: MGL c90s6 – $40, issued to owner or driver

·         speeding: MGL c90s17 – minimum of $105, issued to driver 

·         improper window tint: MGL c90s9a – $255, issued to owner or driver (window tint must 35% or higher)

·         failure to display owner markings or USDOT#: 540cmr2.22 – $35, issued to owner or driver

·         tire tread depth: MGL c90s7q – $40 subsequent offenses are higher fines issued to driver or owner

·         ***falsifying residency for registration purposes to evade tax and registration fees:*** MGL c90s31/2 – $500 or criminal citation.  Issued to owner/president/CEO. This is a criminal violation subject to violation for each taxable year up to 3 years.

(This law applies to registering your vehicles/trailers out of state when you are operating in Massachusetts and not conducting normal business in the registered state. i.e.  Massachusetts companies registering vehicle(s) and / or trailer(s) out-of-state